Keep hunting season safe

According to Michigan's Department of Natural Resources, some 775,000 people were expected to buy deer hunting licenses. This year's deer herd is estimated at 1.75 million.

The firearm deer season brings plenty of excitement to the Upper Thumb and its hunters - residents and visitors alike. But safety, as they say, comes first. Be sure to do your part to keep this hunting season a safe one and follow these safety tips that are posted on the DNR website:

* Treat every firearm as if it was loaded. You can never guarantee that your chamber is unloaded. Give an unloaded firearm the same respect you would give a loaded firearm.

* Watch where you point your firearm muzzle. Never point the muzzle of your firearm at yourself or anyone else, even if it is unloaded.

* Know your firearm and its ammunition. Before you load, be sure your firearm is in safe operating condition and the barrel is free of obstructions.

* Do not load your firearm before you are ready. Why take chances? When traveling to and from your hunting blind, take down or have your actions open, and always carry your firearms unloaded in their cases.

* Be sure of your target - and beyond - before you squeeze the trigger. Be sure you have carefully identified your target, then look past it to be sure it is safe to shoot.

* Don't take chances with a loaded firearm. Never step over fences, jump ditches, or make other awkward or unbalanced moves while holding a loaded firearm.

* Store your firearms safely. When not in use, always store firearms unloaded, away from ammunition and out of the reach of children and inexperienced users.

* Remember: Alcohol, drugs and firearms don't mix. Never consume alcohol or other mood-altering drugs before or during target shooting or hunting.